It’s been said that you have to have a very good reason for everything that you do. What is the reason behind what you do?
If you don’t have one, that’s ok- you WILL find it- even if you don’t know what it is yet.
For Denton and I, we love that every time we show up for a photo session, it’s for a happy occasion. When a family has an event that draws all of the members in from near and far; that is a reason for celebration. With as many challenges that life throws at us and the sadness that those challenges can bring, every moment that we can spend with our family and enjoy them just BEING, that is a happy occasion.
For this session, all of that could not be more true. When Barb got a hold of me back in the first week of March to plan a family photo session, we didn’t know that yet another challenge was coming for everyone that month! Her and her husband’s very first granddaughter, Kailin, was going to be graduating and everyone was going to be traveling in for the event. Since it’s hard to have all of the members of a large family in the same spot at the same time, this was the perfect time to plan a session.
There were some challenges in planning this during the time of a pandemic, but thankfully, things worked out beautifully to get some time in with this beautiful family.
Life is full of ups and downs, as we all know, and this family has had to overcome and endure more than their fair share, but something that Barb said impressed me: Her family has used those challenges to grow and learn about themselves and each other, instead of letting those challenges separate them and drive them apart. One of those challenges-and this is an understatement- came in the form of a freak auto accident involving four of their grandchildren. That is the phone call that every parent, grandparent, sibling, and friend dreads. Those few moments where you don’t want to hear what happens next. Thankfully, though, for this family, while there were major changes for each of them, what a blessing it is to see that they are all together and still able to love one another and cherish each other! To see the closeness and camaraderie that exist between this family in spite of the difficulties that they have faced was heartwarming.
Barb was proud to say that her family has helped each other by coming together in times of need no matter what else is going on in life. That is not easy to do. That requires a tenacity and dedication that is not often found in today’s world. To be able to encourage one another, stay grounded themselves, and most importantly, love each other, shows the beautiful hearts that each member of their family possesses.
There will always be concerns, and there will always be fears. What will life be like as families continue to grow and progress? Many people wonder what the future holds for their families and hope for the best, for peace and tranquility in the future. It’s not just a dream, we know that will one day be a reality for people to enjoy!
For now, just as Barb and Terry’s parents taught them to be kind and loving, they and their family are now passing those qualities on. To Billie, Brandy, Mike and Kari- Your mom wants to give a heartfelt thank you to you all and your families for a life that has filled her heart and helped it to grow bigger than she ever thought was possible!
Now, while Barb would love to have more grandchildren 😉 she and Terry are able to forever treasure this day of accomplishment and fulfillment for their first granddaughter Kailin and look forward to what she has in store in her future! Kailin will be attending college this fall and working as an assistant coach for the college basketball team! Good job, girl!
Barb, when I found out that you wanted to move to a warmer climate, I thought, “I knew there was a reason I loved her!” I’m right there with ya! Let me know what you find and I’ll come to check it out. Haha. As you all continue to chase your dreams- buying a old house with a big porch and traveling the country, I hope that these images are ones that you will be able to look back on and bring a smile to your face and joy to your heart to see the family that you and your husband have created and recall always how beautiful they are, inside and out. As I was going though these images, they made me smile as I recalled that day, so I hope that you love these as much as I do! The rest of your gallery is soon to follow. For now, here are a few of my favorites…